If any of you have wondered why I have been AWOL from my blog, there are 2 main reasons. Firstly, I have really been struggling with lockdown 3.0 and my motivation is literally at rock bottom at the moment. Secondly, a lot of my spare time has been taken up with all things home and interiors, because . . . I bought my dream home . . . and moved under lockdown restrictions!
I wasn’t planning on buying during the pandemic, but I fell in love on my first viewing. The day after my second viewing, I made an offer which was rejected. Not wanting to lose out, I went in with a second offer, which was accepted, and the rest (as they say) is history! Can I just say that buying, and moving home during a pandemic, and under lockdown restrictions is probably one of the most stressful things I have ever done.
Getting my mortgage in place
It was really important for me to get a grip of all the figures and numbers involved. As I was buying on my own, I had to be certain I could afford the monthly mortgage payments. I found a mortgage calculator to help me work out the monthly costs. By just completing a few questions, the online calculator was able to help me figure out approximate monthly costs. I would advise anyone looking to buy their first home to use one of these online tools, They really help you to understand some of the monthly costs involved. And, exactly how much deposit you will need to save for the house of your dreams!
Moving in lockdown
My removal company were amazing. My furniture was in storage with them already which meant moving day was very simple and really easy. And then came the unpacking! I have never seen so many boxes in my life! Long story (which I will fill you in on one day) but all my furniture had been in storage for over a year, so it was really exciting unpacking a lot of my boxes, and being reunited with some of my favourite homeware bits.
There were also a lot of tears too. As I began unpacking box after box, so many memories came flooding back of being in my old home with my ex partner, and what was meant to be our ‘forever home’. I knew I needed to make this home my own perfect little space. I have spent a fortune on buying some incredible new pieces of furniture, which I am in love with! The hardest thing about moving during lockdown, is that I couldn’t have any family or friends to help me move. On the plus size, I have discovered I am not as bad at putting furniture together as I thought I was.
Future Plans
Thankfully, there is no immediate decoration or DIY work that I need to do to make my little place liveable. It is very neutrally decorated, and had not long had new flooring and a new kitchen fitted. The only immediate thing I did do was to have a shower screen fitted in the bathroom, because shower curtains – gross – not for me. I have lots of ideas and plans whizzing around inside my head of what I want to do. My list of things I want to buy is growing every single day, but nothing needs to be done urgently.
The one thing I am most excited about is being able to have my friends and family over, obviously once lockdown restrictions allow. I just cant wait to be able to show everyone my new home, which I saved so hard to get. And do you know what? I am super proud of myself. Two years ago, my life felt like it was over. My long-term relationship ended, and my Dad passed away unexpecdtly all within 2 months of each other. I was lost, lonely, grieving and wondered if I would ever be happy again. Life can be so cruel, but the strength you gain from the difficult times, makes you appreciate the good times even more.
I’m super excited to share with you all the highs and lows of being a home-owner. Let me know if you have any questions about buying on your own, getting a mortgage, or any house-buying questions in general.
